Letters -- Published Oct. 28, 2010

Thursday

Oct 28, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Proposition 22 is a power grab by California redevelopment agencies. Redevelopment agencies now control 30 percent of all urbanized land and spend 12 percent of all property taxes (a figure that has doubled since 1990) now $6 billion annually, starving local agencies of needed revenues for essential services.

Proposition 22 is a power grab by California redevelopment agencies. Redevelopment agencies now control 30 percent of all urbanized land and spend 12 percent of all property taxes (a figure that has doubled since 1990) now $6 billion annually, starving local agencies of needed revenues for essential services.

Assemblyman Chris Norby, R-Fullerton, says Prop. 22 would make big government abuses worse. Prop. 22 is intentionally deceptive. It protects no one but redevelopment agencies. It would lock redevelopment protections into the state constitution, forbidding the Legislature from diverting redevelopment property increment funds to schools, fire departments or paramedics in times of need.

John P. TalbotLodi

They were "men that had understanding of the times." These words were written concerning the tribe of Issachar in the days Israel was faced with the decision of which king it should follow, Saul or David?

The people eventually chose David with the supporter of Saul coming over to David's side. The rest is history concerning that nation's fate during the next 80 to 100 years. It was later, when King Sullivan died, that the young leaders of the nation ruled over the advice of the wiser, elders of the nation and chose a king who led them the wrong way. In a mater of a few hundred more years the nation went into slavery in Babylon, and later was scattered to many nations all over the Earth.

So what does this teach us? Are historic successes and historic failures relevant for us to heed? I think so. The coming election is of utmost importance. My wife and I don't only urge people to get out and vote, but that they consider the facts and study carefully the records of those who are running for the offices as well as the impacts of the propositions. Yes, vote, but vote wisely!

Gary LowesStockton

It's time for a candid discussion regarding our California government.

As a taxpayer, I want to share with you what and how much I am willing to pay for my share of California government services.

I retired in 1994 after a wonderful 31 years of service with an excellent California company. My pension is $25,000 annually, and I believe this to be very fair. I have and always will be a California state taxpayer. I, as all other California citizens, appreciate the good things that are received through our taxes.

All government pay is totally out of whack. Government officials should be paid no more than $75,000 annually, three times my pension check. I recommend all their tax-free per diem pay be reissued as taxable per diem.

We should do away with the state-supplied vehicles for personal use. Housing for state lawmakers should be negotiated with a local hotel. They should rent or lease a room near their capitol office, preferably within walking distance of the capitol.

Josette McCabeStockton

Rep. Jerry McNerney will apparently do whatever it takes to hold his congressional seat, including fudge the truth about the candidate he is facing Nov. 2.

In his campaign literature, McNerney has tried to portray David Harmer as a lawyer who benefited from federal bailout programs - the very programs favored by McNerney and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

As one Bay Area reporter put it in the Sept. 22 edition of the Contra Costa Times, "McNerney's claims fall considerably short of the truth."

Linton ParkTracy

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